RSPCA warns animal cruelty on the rise in Suffolk – as summer spike expected

An animal welfare charity has revealed that animal cruelty cases are on the rise in Suffolk.

About 524 cases were reported to the RSPCA between January and June, with 44,879 logged nationwide – a two per cent increase when compared to 2023.

The charity expects a seasonal rise in intentional harm and beatings, as summer brings with it a higher density of cases when compared to any other point in the year, it said.

In response, it is launching its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ campaign, which aims to raise funds to help vulnerable animals.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA’s overnight welfare team, said it received a cruelty report every five minutes during the summer of 2023 – or about 285 per day.

Reports of intentional harm during this period rose by 11 per cent compared with the previous year, with it also noting a sharp rise in animal beatings, at 17 per cent.

“Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year,” Ms Colman said.

“We’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.

“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”

The RSPCA hoped support from people in Suffolk would help make a difference this year.

One such case saw a man receive a five-year animal ban for placing a chicken in a cage of ferrets.

Three videos were found on the man’s phone showing the bird being attacked and killed within three minutes.

He was later handed an 18-month community sentence at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

Ms Colman said: “Summer is a really challenging time for us and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.

“That’s why our appeal seeks to tackle the rising and alarming levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need because every animal deserves kindness.”